Todd ArcherESPN staff writer4 minutes to read
Duck: I can’t imagine entering the field without Zeke
Dak Prescott explains what Ezekiel Elliott means to him on and off the football field.
DALLAS – The 2023 season was nothing but a change Duck Prescott.
Kellen Moore is now the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers after serving as Prescott’s teammate, coach and coordinator since 2016. Doug Nussmeier is also with the Chargers after serving three years as the quarterbacks coach. On Wednesday, Prescott’s colleague, Ezekiel Elliott, was released.
“It’s hard to say he’s cute now honestly. That’s exactly what these guys mean to me. You know what I mean?” Prescott said after an event for the Children’s Cancer Fund, which serves as co-chair with Troy Aikman. “You (make) these relationships and that’s what makes you play the way you do, it’s the relationships you build within the organization and within your team. Whether it’s with the coaches or with your teammates. I know a sweet solution is coming. I know it’s coming. Optimistic guy Very, don’t get me wrong. Change is good like I’ve always said but it’s hard for me to see it in the moment. But I know it’s coming and excited when it happens.” Prescott and Elliott went together in 2016. Elliott was a first-round pick, No. 4 overall . Prescott was a fourth round pick, 135th overall. After Tony Romo suffered a back injury in the preseason, Prescott took over the quarterback role and he and Elliott led the Cowboys to an NFC-13-3 record.
They went to the playoffs four times in their seven years but never made it past the divisional round, including last season that ended in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
“It’s hard,” Prescott said. “(A)brother. Playing the game with a brother. Being able to start this NFL career and share so many memories and grow as men. Growing up as men with this organization, you really can’t imagine going on the field without him. It’s something I don’t know if He totally hit me after. Obviously I talked to him. I’m sure he is. But it’s more important to me just to be able to support him. I know he’s got more opportunities coming his way. Love this guy, proud of him, #1 supporter and here For him no matter what.”
Prescott is one of 10 players to remain on the roster since 2019, the year before Mike McCarthy took over as coach.
“It makes you better control those feelings, get over that, and understand that we’re all going to hang up our cleats someday,” Prescott said. “That it all comes to an end. Whether it’s at the time we want it, whether it’s in the place or the institution we want it or not, that’s the truth. As you get older and see that happening more and more with the men closest to you and friends, that becomes more real.” It’s getting old, I guess. It’s unfortunate. It sucks. But it’s part of it and it hates seeing all these guys go and not win. That’s what will eat in my face forever.”
Prescott has already begun work. He had a few teammates in his backyard earlier this week, running down the road and catching passes. He will have to adjust to a new player in McCarthy, who estimated a change of around 30-35% in attack.
Prescott turns 30 in July and signs through 2024. The Cowboys have discussed the possibility of extending his contract but no talks have started yet. After seeing close friends and coaches leave the past two years, Prescott knows the Cowboys have to produce.
“Urgency, yeah,” Prescott said. “I mean, having all these guys, the departure of so many close friends, good mates, not winning a championship and the urgency was there, but then where this turned into the realization that, hey, you might blink and my career might be over…now or Never. It’s that simple. There’s no sugar coating it.”